Gaming on mobile devices has come a long way in such a short amount of time. What started as a small subsection of the gaming population has become one of the most popular ways to game!
In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the most popular mobile games and who’s playing them. We will also explore why mobile gaming has become so popular and what the future holds for it!
What Got Us Wild For The World Of Mobile Gaming?
Any guesses? Think Nokia… Need I say more? That’s right, the first commercially available game for mobile was ‘Snake’! We first saw the game released on the Nokia 6101 in 1998. The game was basic, but it was enough to get people hooked on gaming on their phones. From there, we saw a slow but steady rise in the popularity of mobile gaming, thanks to games like Alien Fish Exchange and Space Invaders following just a few years later. And as the years went on, the games became more complex – Angry Birds, Plants Vs Zombies and Flappy Bird emerged, with many still being played to this day (except for Flappy Bird – *sad face*).
We’ve Come A Long Way Since.
Fast forward to today, and mobile gaming is one of the most popular forms of gaming. There’s a game for everyone on mobile devices, from simple puzzle games to complex multiplayer games. And people of all ages are playing them! In fact, according to a study by Newzoo, 36% of mobile gamers are aged 35 or older. This is a far cry from the stereotype of mobile gamers being youngsters.
Let’s Take A Look At Some Mobile Gaming Statistics In 2022.
- According to data, there were over 80 billion game downloads in 2021.
- There are an estimated two billion mobile gamers around the world.
- Over 4 million apps and games are available worldwide on the Apple App Store alone as of August 2021.
- Data suggests, that 25% of app downloads on iOS are games.
- The most popular genres of mobile games are puzzle, strategy, and action.
- According to data, mobile gaming is expected to reach £220B by 2030.
Popular Games In 2022.
There are a ton of popular mobile games out there. But, here are a few of the most popular ones:
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) is a multiplayer online battle royale game that pits 100 players against each other in a fight to the death. The last player standing wins!
Call of Duty: Mobile is a free-to-play first-person shooter that is available on Android and iOS devices. The game features iconic Call of Duty maps, characters, and weapons.
Fortnite is a free-to-play battle royale game that pits 100 players against each other in a fight to the death. The last player standing wins!
Clash of Clans is a free-to-play mobile strategy game with players building their base, training troops, and attacking other players. It’s also one of the most addictive mobile games I’ve ever played.
What Effect Have Games Like Pokémon GO Had On The Mobile Gaming Industry?
Most of us dabbled in a little Gameboy action at some stage in our lives, myself included. And, who could forget about the crazy fad that was Pokémon GO? The mobile gaming industry has seen a lot of growth since Gameboy’s days, and it’s safe to say that Pokémon GO got people off their couches and out into the real world to catch Pokémon. But, while the game is no longer as popular as it once was, it did have a lasting effect on the mobile gaming industry. After all, Pokémon GO showed that there was a market for augmented reality games. And since then, we’ve seen a number of other augmented reality games released for mobile devices.
Apex Legends Joined The Hype, Creating A Mobile-Friendly Version Of The Popular PC Game.
After a few years at the top of the PC gaming charts, Apex Legends has landed on mobile devices. And while the game is still fairly new, it’s already become one of the most popular mobile games. Ok, it’s not as epic as the full-sized older brother. But, it’s still a lot of fun to play, and of course, it’s free-to-play!
We’ve Come To Acknowledge Several Mobile Games In The World Of Esports.
While mobile gaming is popular with people of all ages, there is a growing esports scene for mobile games. Competitions can be small with just a few players or large with hundreds or even thousands of players. Some popular mobile esports games include PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty: Mobile, and Clash Royale.
Did You Know… Our Friends At SK Gaming Have A Pro Clash Royale Team?
That’s right! Keep an eye on the guys over at SK, they’ve spent the past couple of years carving a path in the world of mobile gaming esports, and showing no signs of slowing down. And, as mobile gaming becomes more popular, we’ll likely see even more professional players and teams emerge.
We See A Lot Of Games Utilising Pay-To-Play.
There’s a huge selection of free-to-play games, but many also use a pay-to-play model, where players can make in-game purchases to improve their experience. Plenty of customisable options exist with weapons, skins, and other items up for grabs. But, pay-to-play will always raise some form of debate amongst gamers, with many viewing this logic as a way to progress in games without the hard graft.
Advertising Opportunities.
Believe it or not, advertising within the mobile game space has proven pretty effective. In most cases, the player stands to earn in-game rewards for enduring these adverts, which is probably why they remain so effective. It’s one way for developers to generate revenue from their games, and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon! In-game advertising can take many forms, such as banner ads, video ads, or even product placement within the game itself.
What The Future Holds For Mobile Gaming.
The mobile gaming industry is booming and shows no signs of slowing down. With new games being released all the time and existing games receiving regular updates, there’s always something new to play. And, with the rise of mobile esports, we’re likely to see even more competitive gaming on our phones and tablets in the future.
Conclusion.
Whether we like it or not, mobile gaming is a huge part of our lives. It’s accessible, easy to play, and can be downright addictive. From ‘Snakes’ to esports, there’s something for everyone. So what are you playing?
Oh, and don’t forget, Beyond was created for an entire digital generation, whether you’re a creator, PC gamer, designer or mobile gamer… Improve your game with the help of Beyond NRG.
